Peoria

This week I was in Peoria, Illinois! Although Peoria is a bit less lively than places I normally go for work, one thing I really love about my job is the opportunity to see how communities across the country implement and innovate their public housing programs. Beautiful Peoria:

That said, all of this travel sometimes makes me feel like a fat, slacker runner. As I wrote most of this entry I was on yet another flight home. Thankfully, last night the flight attendant gave me a free mini bottle of wine -- which sometimes they do when flights are delayed. Yesterday was a rough travel day -- three hour drive to O'Hare + delayed flight + severe weather. Wine helps. I like it when the flight attendants take pity on me. They can tell I am a weary road warrior, I think. Or a wine-o? Hopefully the former. I landed at 12:20 last night and got my bags around 12:45. Here's a picture to prove how late I was at DCA last night:

My running this week suffered in Peoria. Tuesday night it was pouring rain and Wednesday night had severe Thunderstorms. I generally refuse to do the treadmill, especially in hotels that have exercise rooms the size of my hotel room closet. And, Thursday I drove the three hours to Chicago from Peoria and caught the last flight home...missing another run. My running suffers greatly on the road but I try not to beat myself up about it? I've got to pay the bills and love my clients and the work...but often this results in being in a new town,  and sometimes being in an isolated, unfamiliar hotel location -- if I feel uncomfortable I'd rather miss the run than risk something bad happening to me. This is going to be a tough job to have while training for an ultra (or even a marathon) but I think I can get the miles in.

I'm so happy John finally posted!! This is going to be a fun way to track our adventure and one more thing to think about on our long runs. I always appreciate hearing his insights on running...

This weekend is my last one in my twenties. I will update on how I spent it next week but it is sure to be a great time! My good friend Jamieq is coming to DC and we have lots of fun/relaxing adventures planned!